Our 12-week, 5-phase training block isn’t just a program — it’s a blueprint for transformation.
At Ascend, we’ve developed a proven strength and conditioning system that progresses every member with purpose — whether you’re rebuilding from scratch or levelling up your performance. Every phase serves a specific role in your development, building on the last so you don’t just get results — you earn them.
Basecamp
Build Muscle. Build Habits. Build the Base.
This is where every great journey starts — at BaseCamp. Here we lay the physical and mental foundations that carry you through the climb. We focus on building lean muscle, increasing work capacity, and refining your movement patterns to prevent injury and promote longevity. You’ll be introduced to compound lifts and complex movements with higher volume and moderate loads. Sessions are structured to teach you how to train with intensity — not just effort — and start developing the habits that set you apart.
We don’t rush the foundation. We master it.
The Ascent
From Mass to Power. Step Into the Climb.
After laying the groundwork, we start converting your muscle mass into real, functional strength. Volume tapers off slightly as intensity increases, pushing you to lift heavier and move with purpose. You’ll feel your body changing — stronger lifts, more confidence under the bar, and a clearer understanding of what you’re truly capable of. Technique remains a priority, but the challenge increases — this is where the climb starts to steepen.
Less fluff. More force. Keep climbing.
Elevate Focus
Sharpen the Edge. Eliminate Weak Links.
Now we narrow in. This phase is all about precision, discipline, and peak output. We reduce training volume again while increasing load and focus on intensity zones. Expect more heavy sets, lower reps, and targeted accessory work to address imbalances and unlock your next level of strength. We also begin layering in mental resilience strategies — this phase isn’t just about the body. It’s about learning to stay sharp, focused, and consistent when most people would burn out or plateau.
Here, we don’t just train muscles. We train mindset.
Peak Preparation
Own Your Strength. Rise to the Challenge.
This is the final push to the summit. Sessions are now shorter but more intense. We focus on maximal strength development, with the lowest volume of the program and the heaviest loads you'll handle to date. We begin integrating performance-based cues, refining lift execution under fatigue, and mentally preparing for the Apex Assessment ahead. Every rep counts. Every rest matters. You’re now training with the discipline and intensity of someone who’s ready to dominate the mountain.
No more guesswork. Only calculated, measured execution.
Apex Assessment
Test. Reflect. Reset. Repeat.
This is your checkpoint — not just physically, but mentally and emotionally too. You'll test your 3-rep maxes, evaluate body composition changes, and reflect on the journey so far. It’s a week of celebration, learning, and goal recalibration as we assess your progress and map out your next climb. This isn’t about chasing perfection — it’s about taking ownership of your results and preparing to rise again, stronger.
Every summit leads to the next one.
